A review by shabbycoatlibrarian
Stuart Little by E.B. White

3.0

I truly respect this book as an American children's classic - which is why I chose it as a read-aloud for the 3rd & 4th grade library time this year. What White does well is spin a bunch of really fun, imaginative happenings about a somewhat endearing mouse (is he a mouse? or a miniature human with mouse features? Existential question for the masses ...). However, as far as plot goes, I've always been disappointed with the ending. I realize White gets somewhat philosophical and ends it with this kind of "going in the right direction" ideology - which may appeal to some adults. But for the most part, it leaves children with little resolution (esp. w/ regards to Margalo). It's my opinion - and I don't claim to be a literary expert. But I did think the plot was a bit loose with a lack of resolution. Structurally and also in strength of characters, I prefer Charlotte's Web - it is Stuart Little's superior in every regard.